Orthodontics is the scientific method of straightening teeth for either function or aesthetic purposes. However, braces are commonly used as the tool to do so in this practice. For patients who are undergoing a braces procedure, there is a multitude of components that will be placed in their mouth, which include a number of rubber and metal pieces.

However, just because braces components can help fix a smile, doesn’t mean they’re not dangerous. In this article, we will be going over how you can deal with a tooth-related emergency, what to do in an event of one, and how one can be caused.

Identify the Situation

There are a number of different types of dental emergencies, due to this, you have to first identify and assess the situation, which may include:

– Orally bleeding

– A swallowed device

Although it is rare for real orthodontic emergencies to happen, it’s important that you familiarize you with them. You or your child may be worried about oral discomfort after either braces installation or adjustment, but soreness is to be expected. Nonetheless, often enough drinking liquids and/or soft foods are the best way to combat sore gums or teeth in your particular circumstance.

Tools You Can Use

Before you or your child gets their braces installed, it’s important that you have an in-home dental emergency kit. Usually, you can outfit it with tools suggested by your orthodontist, such as:

– Cotton swabs

– Braces wax

– Tweezers

– Pencils

Although you shouldn’t alter your braces in any way, these tools can help prevent or alleviate problems before you can schedule a dentist visit. You should also make sure that you place this kit in a secure area that won’t collect dust, in addition to regularly cleaning the tools you place in it. Braces wax, otherwise known as “relief” wax is often passed out to you by your orthodontists throughout your routine visits.

Mouth Sores

It’s no surprise that everyone has a different jawline and mouth structure. Even though one person may uncomfortable feel their braces in their own mouth, another person may be generally comfortable with theirs. Nevertheless, you should routinely check your own mouth and your child’s to check for sores on their lips and cheeks. Although irritation isn’t unusual, it can be both frustrating and painful. However, having anesthetic gel on hand can help heal these sores and offer you a great deal of relief. You should also mention the sores at your next dentist appointment so they can make the proper adjustments.

Rubbing Irritations

Even if you or your child’s mouth doesn’t have noticeable sores, you can still have rubbing irritations. However, you can offer your mouth some relief using “relief” wax. Since the brackets on your teeth can rub against your lips, coating it in wax can help prevent irritation and/or sores. But, often enough, preventing rubbing irritations requires braces adjustments by your orthodontist.

Oral-Cavity Accidents

Usually, a crisis requires you to visit your local orthodontist as soon as you can. These types of emergencies can vary but usually consist of either car or sports accidents. If you or your child have experienced damage to an oral cavity, it’s important that you get it checked out by your doctor immediately. Since soft tissues need time to heal, your doctors will need to adjust your braces back into proper place. To avoid this altogether, you should ask your orthodontist for a mouth guard to protect your teeth.

Loose Brackets

One of the direst tooth-related emergencies for anyone to experience is a loose bracket. Brackets are the square metal devices that are glued to your teeth. Even though the adhesive which is used to glue the brackets to your teeth are strong, they can snap off. Fortunately, the brackets have a wire connect to them, so they’ll just stick to the wire without too much of a problem. But, you should visit your orthodontist as soon as you can to reattach the metal bracket back onto your teeth.

Problems With Wires

For those with braces, wire issues can cause some pain or discomfort. Wires are threaded through the brackets to keep the pressure on your or your child’s teeth while they move into the correct positioning. These wires, however, can snap. This causes the area to become loose. When a wire breaks, it can stick out from the teeth, poke the inside of the cheek, or just cause general discomfort.

To prevent the pain, try using tweezers to bend the wire back against the tooth. Use some relief wax to hold the wire in its position. This is a temporary solution. In order to fix the wire, the orthodontist will need to replace it. Be sure to make an appointment as soon as you can.

Missing Rubber Bands

Orthodontists apply rubber bands to braces in order to rectify a number of bite problems. These include overbites, underbites, and crossbites. These rubber bands are placed across the teeth at a range of angles. This is used to place angular force against the teeth.

It is not considered an urgent situation if a rubber band falls out. In fact, the patients are supposed to remove and replace these bands as needed throughout the entire treatment. If a band is lost, you can just replace it with one of the ones your dentist gave you. Though it is possible for you or your child to swallow a band, it is safe as the bands are nontoxic. Alert your orthodontist if this does occur.

Here is The Kicker

Emergencies happen to everyone. When the emergency is tooth-related, it can be especially concerning. Whether you or your child is experiencing the problem, remember to stay calm and contact the experts at Kinder. They can help you deal with any sort of orthodontic issue you may be facing. Set up an appointment with the experts at Kinder today.